25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots

The 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the event that heralded the rise of the movement for gay and lesbian liberation, was celebrated in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide on June 25. In Sydney, 2000 people marched from Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, to Kings Cross, following the route of the first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Marchers blew whistles and chanted slogans; a popular chant called for action against Tasmania's anti-gay laws. After listening to speakers and being entertained by the Wollongong Gay and Lesbian Choir, many of the participants moved on to a fundraiser for the Lesbian Space Project held at the Rex Hotel. In Melbourne, 300 people braved rainy weather to rally outside the GPO, before marching on to further celebrations by the Yarra river. In Adelaide the anniversary was commemorated by a dance party at Le Rox. Pictured above is the crowd beginning to gather before the Sydney march. Photo by Tom Flanagan.

From GLW issue 149